What Is Ppg-36-Buteth-36?
Ppg-36-Buteth-36 is a man-made ingredient created by linking together small units of propylene glycol and ethylene oxide, then finishing the chain with a butyl group. Chemically it is known as an oxirane polymer with a single butyl ether on one end. Because it is produced in a lab and not extracted from plants or animals, its quality and purity are easy to control.
The cosmetic industry began exploring this type of polymer in the late 1980s as brands looked for multi-tasking ingredients that could soften hair, smooth skin and help wash away dirt at the same time. Its popularity grew once formulators noticed it could deliver these benefits without feeling heavy or greasy.
Manufacturing starts with propylene oxide, which is polymerised under heat and pressure. Ethylene oxide is then added to extend the chain, and the reaction is capped with butyl alcohol. The result is a clear liquid or soft wax that dissolves well in water and many oils, making it easy to add to different product types.
You will most often spot Ppg-36-Buteth-36 in shampoos, rinse-out and leave-in conditioners, facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, lightweight lotions, serums and makeup removers. Its gentle nature lets formulators use it in products meant for daily use on both hair and skin.
Ppg-36-Buteth-36’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place on an ingredient list because it can perform more than one helpful job at the same time:
- Hair conditioning – coats each strand with a thin layer that smooths the cuticle, reduces static and makes detangling easier so hair feels soft and looks shinier
- Skin conditioning – forms a lightweight film that helps hold water on the surface of the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and silky without a sticky afterfeel
- Cleansing – loosens dirt, oil and leftover styling products, allowing them to rinse away easily while being mild enough not to strip natural moisture
Who Can Use Ppg-36-Buteth-36
Ppg-36-Buteth-36 is considered friendly to most skin types. Its light film-forming nature gives dry skin a moisture boost without leaving oily or combination skin feeling greasy, and it is low in fragrance and dyes so it rarely upsets sensitive skin. People who know they react to glycols should exercise caution, as the molecule is built from propylene glycol units.
The ingredient is produced entirely from petrochemical raw materials, contains no animal by-products and is not tested on animals by most reputable suppliers, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
No studies link topical Ppg-36-Buteth-36 to problems during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Absorption through intact skin is minimal, yet this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full product label to a healthcare professional before use.
Ppg-36-Buteth-36 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it does not increase the risk of sunburn. It is also odorless which makes it a helpful choice for people avoiding added fragrance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient vary from person to person. The points below list potential effects that could occur, although most users will not experience them when the product is well formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in very sensitive individuals
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people already sensitised to glycol or polyether compounds
- Eye stinging or watering if the ingredient gets into the eyes before rinsing
- Temporary buildup on hair when formulas with high concentrations are not rinsed thoroughly
If any discomfort or persistent reaction occurs stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (very low likelihood of clogging pores).
Ppg-36-Buteth-36 is a large water soluble polymer that forms a breathable film rather than an occlusive layer. It rinses away easily and does not leave a heavy oily residue that could trap dead skin cells or sebum. Lab and consumer data have not linked it to pore blockage even in leave-on formulas which is why its score sits close to zero.
Suitable for acne or breakout-prone skin.
Because it is usually combined with other ingredients the overall pore-clogging potential of a product will depend on the full formula not just this single component.
Summary
Ppg-36-Buteth-36 works as a hair conditioner skin conditioner and mild cleanser. Its polymer chain smooths hair cuticles for softness and shine, lays a light moisture-holding film on skin for a silky feel and loosens dirt so it can rinse away without stripping natural oils.
It is a behind-the-scenes helper rather than a headline ingredient so you may not see influencers raving about it yet formulators appreciate its versatility which is why it quietly appears in many everyday shampoos cleansers and lotions.
Safety profiles show a low risk of irritation or pore clogging when used as directed. Still, skin is personal so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains Ppg-36-Buteth-36 before regular use.